Berry Gordy Jr. reportedly wants to "to set the record straight on the inception of the iconic label" that he founded. To do so, Gordy is taking the story of Motown to Broadway. Set for a spring 2013 debut, the musical will center on the staple music and artists of the label, including Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. According to the synopsis, "MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Smokey finds his unique voice, Diana skyrockets to stardom and Berry fights against the odds to turn his improbable dream into a triumphant reality."
The show has already landed heavy-hitter producers like Kevin McCollum of "Rent" and "Avenue Q," and Sony Music Chairman and CEO Doug Morris. Talent has also been tapped for the high profile show. The thespians headlining the show will be Tony nominee Brandon Dixon Victor of "The Color Purple" and "The Scottsboro Boys" as Berry Gordy and "The Book of Mormon" and "Ragtime" star Valisia LeKae as Diana Ross. Casting is still in search of a actor age 8 to 11 to play a young Stevie Wonder, a young Michael Jackson, and a young Berry Gordy. The show has recently found a home at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where it will launch previews on March and then open to the general public in April.
